Hi, my name is Raven, and my husband and I went to Japan for the first time for our honeymoon a couple of years ago. For two weeks, we went to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and it was an incredible experience we’ll never forget.
But even though we truly enjoyed our stay, it took a lot of planning and researching to make the most out of Kyoto. And since a lot of people are planning to visit this historic city this year because it’s trending online and the yen is still low, I thought it would be helpful to share the biggest mistakes you should avoid when visiting Kyoto, like booking hotels in this one area or only using this one form of transportation to get around — plus, some things you should totally keep in mind that I hope will be helpful for you!
1.
First things first: Kyoto is not for sleepy heads. If you want to make the most out of this over 1,000-year-old city, I highly recommend waking up early, like really early, to avoid the crowds when exploring the most popular shrines and temples.
2.
Next, don’t make the mistake of not planning ahead. Yes, you can definitely visit Kyoto on a whim and see things at your own leisure, but if you want to explore anything and everything that Kyoto has to offer, I strongly suggest whipping out a map and structuring each day to focus on a certain region of Kyoto — if not, your trip may become incredibly overwhelming because there is simply so much to do.
3.
However, this is why I strongly discourage trying to fit Kyoto in two days. This is a major mistake I see a lot of people making when planning their overall Japan trip, and unless you want to be utterly exhausted by the end of your Kyoto stay, I would avoid doing this at all costs. Instead, schedule a minimum of three days (although four days is best) to get the most out of this city. This will give you enough time to explore and enjoy all of the sights and food without having to rush.
4.
Actually, another mistake a lot of people make is ignoring all the delicious food options and just focusing on the tourist attractions. To quote the Julia Roberts: “Big mistake, big, huge!” Why? Because Kyoto has a lot to offer when it comes to restaurants, coffee, and snacks. Yes, you can live off of the delicious konbini foods from either Family Mart or 7-Eleven (which are so, so good), but you can find those places anywhere in Japan!
5.
A lot of people say that Kyoto’s transportation system is not as good as Osaka’s or Tokyo’s — and, even though there is a small truth to this, I disagree with the common tip of sticking to the bus system or, if you have the funds, taking a taxi to certain places. The only reason people are suggesting this is because a bus or taxi will drop you off right in front of the tourist attraction. While this can be helpful, I suggest taking the subway to wherever you want to go and walking the remainder of the way, if you really want to make the most of Kyoto (and if you’re physically able to do so).
6.
Your feet will be barking if you reserve a hotel that is far from the attractions. Yes, a hotel may be cheaper if you find one on the Western side of Kyoto, where a lot is not going on; however, proximity is key if you don’t want to collapse by the end of the day. Something to remember: You’ll easily be doing twenty thousand steps a day during your Japan trip, so consider how you want to feel at the end of the day when heading back to your hotel.
7.
Talking about Gion, avoid taking photos of Geishas unless you want to receive a 10,000 yen fine (which is about $70). Geishas (known as geiko in Japan) are protected in Kyoto, and the only way you can take pictures of them outside is if you have a permit. Unfortunately, a lot of tourists have invaded the Geishas’ personal space and private properties lately, even though there are signs in Gion instructing visitors to refrain from taking photos.
8.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Kyoto is definitely the quietest of the three popular cities (Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo) that tourists visit in Japan, so I would avoid being loud if possible. While there are more lively areas in Osaka and Tokyo to “let loose” (like Dotonbori and Shinjuku), Kyoto is an ancient city known for its shrines, temples, and heritage, which is why life feels “slower” and more serene there. Seriously, take a stroll anywhere in the city center, and you could probably hear a pin drop.
9.
When it comes to the shrine and temples, don’t treat them like a regular tourist attraction — after all, these are religious sites. A lot of people make the mistake of just walking into these areas and doing whatever they please without considering why these buildings were built in the first place. So, before you enter a shrine or temple, I recommend following the etiquette tips below:
10.
A lot of people only explore Kyoto, yet there are so many cute smaller cities nearby! Yes, while your time there may be packed with things to do, you may be able to take a 30-minute train to either Uji (which is known for its matcha!) or an hour train to Nara (aka deer city), especially if you decide to add on a half or full fourth day!
11.
And finally, the last mistake you don’t want to make when visiting Kyoto is actually going to Kyoto if you don’t care for shrines, temples, or crowds. Although I can go on and on about this city and why I believe people should visit, Kyoto is not for everyone, and that is okay!
Have you ever been to Kyoto, Japan? We want to hear all the tips someone should keep in mind for their trip, either in the anonymous Google form or in the comments below.
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